Pilates for diastasis

Does your belly still protrude months after giving birth? Not to worry , help is on the way.

Wishing you could go back to your pre-pregnancy body? Try not to be so hard on yourself. Remember you have just been through one of life’s most amazing experiences. You have grown and birthed a baby! Having said that , if 6 months post-partum you still have a belly pooch, you may have diastasis recti.

Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti is the separation of the rectus abdominal muscle, that runs along the front of the belly. This condition is common in pregnant women , especially if they are 35 yrs or older or have had multiple pregnancies. Diastasis can also occur in older men especially if they’ve gained some belly weight later in life.

Diastasis during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the Linea Alba (connective tissue between the right and left halves of the rectus abdominus ),thins due to hormonal changes and to accommodate the growing baby . This is a natural and appropriate physical response to the incredible transformation of pregnancy. Be patient with yourself. Some women take longer to re-connect with their bodies , leading them feeling physically uncentered and perhaps wondering why they still have a belly pooch. This may prompt some new moms to start a regime of sit-ups . Counter intuitively, this is contraindicated for Diastasis and will actually increase the gapping. So what it one to do?

Luckily ,an experienced Pilates instructor can assess and treat Diastatis Recti. The abdominals are four layers of muscles that wrap around the torso between the pelvis and ribcage. Deep to these muscles and behind the organs is the iliopsoas and behind that lives the low back muscles. The top and bottom of this muscular cylinder are the diaphragm and pelvic floor respectively. (Don’t worry, you don’t need to become an anatomy buff to heal! ) It is the coordination and synergy of all of the core muscles that create support from the inside out and can heal Diastasis. Our instructors , will guide you to re-coordinate and center your body.

Pilates for Diastasis Recti in NYC

At Mongoose Bodyworks , boutique pilates studio in soho nyc , we can access and treat for Diastasis Recti. We teach you simple breathing exercises and gentle strengthening moves that encourage healing at the deepest level. These exercises segue seamlessly into a pilates practice that address the alignment and strength of the entire body.